operatory
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
Originally from Medieval Latin operātōrium, from a participle of Late Latin operor. The modern senses may be derived independently of the obsolete senses.
Adjective[edit]
operatory (not comparable)
- (obsolete) effective; practical; operative [16th–17th c.]
- Of or relating to operations.
Noun[edit]
operatory (plural operatories)
- (obsolete) A laboratory. [16th–17th c.]
- (medicine) A room in which a dentist (or assistant) performs tasks on the patient. [from 20th c.]
References[edit]
- James A. H. Murray [et al.], editors (1884–1928), “Operatory”, in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), volumes VII (O–P), London: Clarendon Press, →OCLC, page 146, column 1.